engineering

THE third-generation 1 Series went against BMW convention when it arrived in 2020 by ditching a rear-wheel-drive layout The reason for the switch was to improve interior packaging relative to its competitors

Being a BMW, however, buyers still expect it to be fun to drive, which is a harder challenge than with rear-driven models, because steering feel can be corrupted by the engine’s torque, and the weight distribution is likely to be more nose-heavy

So, BMW packed the 1 Series with engineering ideas to ensure that it behaved the way we hoped it would This mix includes a more responsive stability control system working alongside a yaw moment distribution system – that’s tech which nips the brakes on the inside wheels to improve turn-in

Under the bonnet, the 118i gets a 1 5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine manufactured at BMW’s Hams Hall plant near Birmingham It’s down on outright power when compared with its two rivals, with 134bhp and 220Nm of torque, while drive is sent to the front via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox

Inside, the BMW feels like the most expensive car here, thanks to its mix of tech and the general sturdiness of the dash and the centre console The steering wheel has the greatest range of adjustment in this company, and the electrically adjustable seats fitted to this test car allow for easy and precise tweaks to the driving position